“Give me some gloves.” I said, not hesitating.
Crew tossed me a pair of black leather ones with brass knuckles stitched into the lining. I slid them on like armor. Mecca handed me a towel, like a damn coach.
“You swing when you’re ready. We’ll step in when you need us.”
I circled Kennedy slowly.
“You don’t get to make me feel small anymore,” I said.
“You were always small. Cheap, worthless, and beneath my brother.” She smirked.
Crack.
The first punch landed on her jaw making her groan and my knuckles sting. Good I needed the pain to remind me of what they’d tried to take from me. “Say something else,” I said.
“You ain’t?—”
Crack.
The second one bloodied her nose. Sending rivulets of blood down her face. My heart pounded in my chest, but I wasn’t afraid. I wasn’t weak. I was taking my strength back. I hit her blow after blow until her head dangled as she tried to remain conscious.
“That’s my girl. Damn Crew, your girl a beast.” Kema clapped softly.
I stepped back, chest heaving, gloves bloodied and nodded to Mecca and Kema. “She’s all yours.”
He nodded in approval.
Kema pulled out a syringe from her leather jacket. Kennedy’s eyes widened.
“What the hell is that?” She slurred.
“Just a little cocktail,” Mecca said smoothly. “Adrenaline, a smidge of truth serum, and something to make your muscles spasm when you lie.”
“You can’t—” She said, thrashing like she could get away.
“You lost your rights when you put your hands on Nova,” Blue said calmly.
The needle slid into her neck as she screamed. Then her screams turned to sobs and then soft groans.
“Talk,” I said.
“Y-Y’all already know what Kyle did. What we were trying to do. What more do you want?”
“Say it.” I said.
“Kyle, h-he made a deal with the Valdez family,” she choked out. “They needed a girl from an affluent family to marry his son and give him an heir. But the family had to be one that was comfortable with their business.”
“What business?” I asked.
Guns, murder for hire, but mostly trafficking. Humans. And Timberly was the key to bringing our family into the fold. The promise was made before she was born. My father helped him plan it. In return for Timberly, our family would get 50 million dollars and represent the Valdez family exclusively in all of their legal endeavors here and abroad.”
My stomach turned.
“Timberly is your blood. How could you do this?” I whispered.
“I was loyal to Kyle. He promised me power and Crew.” She said with a straight face.
Crew walked over and leaned in close to Kennedy, his voice low and laced with venom.
